Epics Podcast

Welcome back to the Epics Podcast. I started this podcast because I believe that the foundation of hate and discrimination in our world comes from a lack of understanding of those who are different from ourselves. We plan to combat that by hearing everyone's stories, that we can better understand them, be a part of creating real positive change.

This week on the 15th episode of the Epics Podcast I am joined by a fellow podcaster Bob Gatty.

Bob has a podcast called “Lean to the Left”. Bob spent a career in journalism and politics working on both sides of the isle and now works on the Lean to the Left Network is now his way of refusing retirement. The network consists of two podcasts, a blog and more that features commentary on timely topics from the perspective someone who used to be a political insider, but is now on the outside looking in. They are fact-based, they also reflect thier own perspective -- which usually means "A Little Lean to the Left."

As you might guess this episode dives a little deeper into politics than we usually do on this show, but by no means is the focus.

Bob and I spent our time reliving some of Bob’s favorite stories from his reporting career and discussing the political ties of the media as well as how the shift to opinion based media has contributed to the political division in our country.

While obviously some political views are expressed in this episode, I want to reiterate that Epics does not want to declare any sort of political alignment. We are interested in people’s stories and how they effect social issues in our world. Politics plays a part in Bob’s story and therefore it wouldn’t be appropriate to avoid it in conversation or edit it all out afterwards. I want to remain respectful of everyone and their views, as always, while acknowledging the role that they all play in their stories regardless of if we agree with them or not.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Bob, and he actually interviewed me on his show not long before this interview took place! So be sure to check that out as well.

There is so much that we can learn from Bob’s story and insight after working in the press for so long, I think he brings valuable insight into our current relationship with our media and news sources in addition to having some great stories to share!

Show Notes: EpicsPodcast.com/episodes/bobgatty

https://www.leantotheleft.net/

🎙 Lean to the Left Podcast: https://podcast.leantotheleft.net/

🎙 Alex's interview on Lean to the Left: https://podcast.leantotheleft.net/episodes/alex-wait-called-to-serve-others-179

🎙 EpicsPodcast.com

🎙 EpicsProductions.com

🎙 SHPE Out Loud Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shpe-out-loud-leading-hispanics-in-stem/id1640180728

Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

 Join Podcasts with Purpose Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

IG @EpicsPod : Instagram.com/EpicsPod

FB @Epics Pod : Facebook.com/groups/epicspod/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ4cBEb5rBzcDisJybOO-oA

Twitter @EpicsPod : https://twitter.com/EpicsPod

TikTok @EpicsPod: https://www.tiktok.com/@epicspod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Welcome back to the Epics Podcast. I started this podcast because I believe that the foundation of hate and discrimination in our world comes from a lack of understanding of those who are different from ourselves. We plan to combat that by hearing everyone's stories, that we can better understand them, be a part of creating real positive change.

This week on the Epics Podcast the epic story doesn’t come from an amazing guest. Instead I am going to share with you my story, giving you a better understanding of your host. I talk about finding my identity though my life with ADHD, why story telling is important to me, what social justice is and the origin stories of Epics.

🎙 Show Notes: EpicsPodcast.com/episodes/alexwait

🎙 EpicsPodcast.com

🎙 EpicsProductions.com

🎙 SHPE Out Loud Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shpe-out-loud-leading-hispanics-in-stem/id1640180728

🎙 Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

🎙 Join Podcasts with Purpose Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

Alex’s IG: @alexraywait

#podcast #podnation #denver #colorado #milehighcity #dnvr #blacklivesmatter #antiracist #lgbtq #ally #socialjustice #diversity #inclusion #epic #stories #interview #pride #FYP #ForYouPage #ADHD #socialjusticewarrior 

Welcome back to the Epics Podcast. I started this podcast because I believe that the foundation of hate and discrimination in our world comes from a lack of understanding of those who are different from ourselves. We plan to combat that by hearing everyone's stories, that we can better understand them, be a part of creating real positive change.

This week, on the 13th episode of Epics, I’m so pleased to announce my guest Dr. Elijah Nicholas.

A twelve-time published author, Dr. Elijah Nicholas is also an Actor, and Advocate. He was assigned the female sex at birth, so Elijah spent almost half of his life in the US Military, as a woman before retiring from the US Air Force as a Lt Col in 2012.

He started his gender reassignment from female to male in 2018 at the age of 48.

We were able to cover a variety of topics in our interview such as his experiences of racism, navigating gender roles both pre and post transition, and his new book “Madoodle”!

Madoodle is an LGBTQI+ friendly family & children's book featuring Madoodle (aka Madison), a ten-year-old girl whose Uncle Pete was once her favorite Auntie Mary. And it is based on Dr. Elijah's personal experiences with family as he navigated his gender transition.

Buy Elijah’s book Madoodle! The link on this episode. As always that will not only support Elijah but a local bookstore near you AND this podcast!

🎙 Show Notes: EpicsPodcast.com/episodes/drelijahnicholas

📕 Madoodle: https://bookshop.org/a/40214/9798655263284

www.ElijahNicholas.com

LinkedIn Profile: @drelijahnicholas

TikTok: @DrElijahNicholas

Twitter @DrEliNicholas

IG: @DrElijahNicholas

🎙 EpicsPodcast.com

🎙 EpicsProductions.com

🎙 SHPE Out Loud Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shpe-out-loud-leading-hispanics-in-stem/id1640180728

🎙 Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

🎙 Join Podcasts with Purpose Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

IG @EpicsPod : Instagram.com/EpicsPod

FB @Epics Pod : Facebook.com/groups/epicspod/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ4cBEb5rBzcDisJybOO-oA

Twitter @EpicsPod : https://twitter.com/EpicsPod

TikTok @EpicsPod: https://www.tiktok.com/@epicspod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Welcome back to the Epics Podcast. I started this podcast because I believe that the foundation of hate and discrimination in our world comes from a lack of understanding of those who are different from ourselves. We plan to combat that by hearing everyone's stories, that we can better understand them, be a part of creating real positive change.

Reggie D. Ford is an author of the bestselling book, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, mental health advocate, and social justice activist. He is a first-generation college graduate of Vanderbilt University, he runs RoseCrete Wealth Management and speaks to audiences about financial empowerment, overall wellness, and the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

We spend a lot of time talking about his childhood being raised by a single mother and being exposed to white dominated spaces. He is so inspirational and vulnerable with his story and I can’t wait for you all to hear it!

To continue to follow along with Reggie’s Epic story follow the links below to his website, socials and to his book, The Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction: Breaking the Curse of Intergenerational Trauma as a Black Man in America! Now remember, if you buy PTSD from the link below, you are not only supporting Michael and you are not only supporting the podcast but you are also supporting a local bookstore near you!

EpicsPodcast.com

EpicsProductions.com

Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

Join Podcasts with Purpose Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

IG @EpicsPod : Instagram.com/EpicsPod

FB @Epics Pod : Facebook.com/groups/epicspod/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ4cBEb5rBzcDisJybOO-oA

Twitter @EpicsPod : https://twitter.com/EpicsPod

TikTok @EpicsPod: https://www.tiktok.com/@epicspod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Show Notes: EpicsPodcast.com/episodes/MichaelDumlao

IG: Instagram.com/EpicsPod

FB: Facebook.com/groups/epicspod/

Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

FREE BONUS CONTENT and Epics Email List: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

Are you the black sheep in your family who chafes at traditions and seeks examples of how to redefine them?

Then do I have a guncle for you!

This week we are all graced by the presence of Michael Dumlao. Michael was born in the Philippines, raised in Australia, schooled in California, and now resides in Washington DC with his husband Daniel. He is an expert in advancing diversity, equity, and social justice, serves as a senior advisor for leaders in government, defense and intelligence AND is the author of his new book The Wisdom of Guncles!

I can not tell you how much I enjoyed my conversation with Michael. He shared a lot about his unique journey from the Philippines to Australia to the US and the racism and homophobia he encountered along the way. He taught me about what it is like for a person like him to walk into a new space having to assess how safe he is to be his true self in that space. I am still so struck by that because it is a process that I have never had to do because of who I am and I have been oblivious to the stress that others experience with a seemingly mundane moment. I didn’t know about the “code-switching” that people like Michael have to do in everyday experiences. Code-switching is when someone changes the way that they speak, act or interact with others who are different from themselves. This is something that I don’t think I have ever had to do so it was a very informative conversation for me, not to mention so much fun.

To continue to follow along with Michaels Epic story follow the links below to his website, socials and to his book, The Wisdom of Guncles! Now remember, if you buy The Wisdom of Guncles from the link below or on Michael’s page on the Epics website, you are not only supporting Michael and you are not only supporting the podcast but you are also supporting a local bookstore near you!

Show Notes: EpicsPodcast.com/episodes/AnnaBattista

IG: Instagram.com/EpicsPod

FB: Facebook.com/groups/epicspod/

Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

FREE BONUS CONTENT: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

This week I am joined by Anna Battista! Anna was born with Cystic Fibrosis, or CF which is a chronic illness that causes Anna to fight for every breath that she takes leading to her needing not one, but 2 lung transplants! This is such an important story to hear because we may not have put BREATHING on our list of things that we should be grateful of and not take for granted!

Anna comes on to the podcast to discuss her life with CF, teaching me what the illness does and what it is like to live with, telling the stories of her 2 lung transplants and how a life with CF has affected how she lives her life every day.

instagram.com/anna_the_lemon instagram

www.annathelemon.com

donatelifecolorado.org

cff.org

Show Notes: EpicsPodcast.com/episodes/KyraDawkins

IG: Instagram.com/EpicsPod

FB: Facebook.com/groups/epicspod/

Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

FREE BONUS CONTENT: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

My amazing guest this week is Kyra Dawkins! Kyra is the author of the book “The We and the They”, storyteller and avid reader and learner. In our conversation, Kyra talks about her experiences falling in love with words and language, dealing with racism as a black woman and why she wrote her book “The we and the they”. She shares her unique insights on the perspectives of our humanity as it exists in our individuality as well as a part of a greater collective. 

Buy The We and the They: https://bookshop.org/a/40214/9781641379526

kyraanndawkins.org

IG: instagram.com/kyra_ann_writes

FB: facebook.com/KyraAnnDawkins.Writer

Show Notes: EpicsPodcast.com/episodes/KimberlySmith

IG: Instagram.com/EpicsPod

FB: Facebook.com/groups/epicspod/

Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

FREE BONUS CONTENT: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

This week my wonderful guest is Kimberly Smith. Kimberly is a Resilience & Life Transition Coach and the founder of Encompass Coaching. I got to have a great conversation with her about the life she has led: all of the transitions that she experienced, and how she found herself fighting with the pressures of society's expectations and “rules” that are put on women and mothers. She is incredibly insightful, thoughtful, and fun to chat with!

Encompass Coaching: EncompassCoachingServices.com

Kimberly's IG: Instagram.com/Kimberly.Brooke.Smith

Encompass FB: Facebook.com/EncompassCoachingServices

Show Notes: EpicsPodcast.com/episodes/TravisCreasy

IG: Instagram.com/EpicsPod

FB: Facebook.com/groups/epicspod/

Patreon: Patreon.com/EpicsPod

FREE BONUS CONTENT: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60d0ce05a462d91c1971b4dc

On episode six of the pod I bring to you my conversation with Travis Creasy. Travis is a fellow podcaster, a husband, father, and a deeply caring person, a man who simply loves life. That is what we have in common (I would like to think, at least). Where Travis and I are different is that he was born raised and lives in the south, has a funnier accent than I do and had a rare aggressive form of leukemia.

Travis was diagnosed in the fall of 2018 when he had a white blood cell count ten times the healthy amount. He then had to spend weeks in the hospital where he had to have 86 rounds of crippling treatment. While he considers himself lucky to be alive, Travis does not take his life for granted.

Travis describes himself as a Tigger because of his bubbly personality, but I think he’s more like Tigger because he’s the only one like him. While there may be so many things that are different about us, such as the complete lack of significance that Crimson Tide football has in my life, I was able to learn a lot from Travis.

This is the heart of the Epics Podcast. I believe that those who may be so different from us in so many ways have a lot to teach us when they are vulnerable and share their stories with us. Hearing Travis’ story was inspiring, but he is not content to just inspire others. He wants to encourage all us to be an encouragement and inspiration to those around us.

Travis' Podcast: www.benandtravis.com